Who was Eliel in the Bible?

Eliel was a descendant of Shimei from the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He is listed among the heads of families who lived in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:20-21).

Why is Eliel mentioned in the Bible?

Eliel's mention helps establish the continuity and legitimacy of the tribe of Benjamin's lineage, particularly for families who resettled in Jerusalem after the exile. His inclusion shows God's faithfulness in preserving the tribal records of Israel.

What did Eliel do in the Bible?

The Bible does not record specific events or actions from Eliel's life. His significance comes solely from his genealogical listing, which identifies him as a family leader within the tribe of Benjamin during the time the records were compiled.

Eliel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon of shimei

Eliel was a descendant of Shimei from the tribe of Benjamin.

Eliel

Biography

Eliel son of Shimei appears in the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin preserved in 1 Chronicles 8:20. He is listed among the heads of families who dwelt in Jerusalem, placing him within the network of Benjamite clans that maintained their tribal identity and territorial heritage through the period of the monarchy. The Chronicler's careful preservation of these genealogies served the post-exilic community by establishing legitimate lineage and land claims. Shimei was a common name in Benjamite tradition, and Eliel's connection to this lineage placed him within a respected family network. Though no narrative events are associated with this Eliel, his recorded name reflects the biblical conviction that individual identity within God's covenant people is of lasting significance.

Significance

The genealogical notice of Eliel son of Shimei carries theological significance disproportionate to its brevity. The Chronicler's inclusion of such names affirms that God's covenant encompasses not merely famous heroes but entire family lines across generations. Every name in the genealogies represents a life lived within the story of God's people. For the post-exilic community, these records were instruments of identity restoration, reassuring returning exiles that their connection to the covenant land and people remained intact. Eliel's name, meaning 'my God is God', declares a theology of personal relationship with the divine, reminding readers that covenant identity is grounded in knowing and being known by the living God.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 8:20

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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